Fallen Boston firefighter remembered for humor, love

Thousands of firefighters and police from around the country turned out at Holy Name Church in West Roxbury on Thursday for the funeral of Boston firefighter Michael Kennedy, who died battling a Back Bay fire on March 26.

BOSTON — Thousands of mourners have gathered to remember a 33-year-old Boston firefighter and former Marine killed in an apartment blaze as a caring man whose selflessness went beyond his professional life.

Family members and friends recalled Michael Kennedy's humor, love and competitiveness Thursday and spoke of his volunteer work with burn victims and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

Firefighters from around the country lined the streets and bagpipers played as they did a day earlier for Lt. Edward Walsh, who died with Kennedy on March 26.

Boston leaders including Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Gov. Deval Patrick attended the service in the West Roxbury neighborhood where Kennedy grew up. The mayor said Kennedy's values and influence on others can bring hope to those who mourn him.

Kennedy was being buried in a cemetery plot dedicated to fallen firefighters.

He was the son of Kathy Crosby of Cohasset and Paul Kennedy of Holbrook.